[basicplus2]

"the net quality of life benefits that plastics in general have brought to humanity"

The plastics production before the late 60's had virtually no impact compared to what followed. Quality of life when i was a child was just fine.

[RcouF1uZ4gsC]

> Quality of life when i was a child was just fine.

I bet you grew up in the West or Japan. Otherwise across Africa, China, India, quality of life for the average person is massively better now than in the 60’s.

[basicplus2]

Yes but their improvment of quality of life as absolutely nothing to do with them using plastic, which is what the subject of the conversation is about.

[RcouF1uZ4gsC]

Cheap, disposable plastic contributed a lot to globalization. It is easier to preserve food in plastic wrap. In addition, it is much lighter and/or cheaper than metal and thus easier to transport long distances. Global trade was probably the biggest driver for the improvement of the quality of life in the places mentioned.